By Arka Dyuti Palit

AIFF Media Team

CUTTACK: The 23rd Senior Women’s National Football Championship has almost reached its conclusion. After the dust had settled on the matches leading up to the final, two teams were left standing. The ambitious Tamil Nadu and the methodical Manipur.

No team has been as dominant as Manipur in the history of Women’s Football in India. Teams around have improved over the years but they are still playing catch up. Head Coach Surmala Chanu acknowledged the quality of the opponents saying, “It has not been easy. Railways gave us a very tough fight and I’ve seen Tamil Nadu play. They are an organised team”.

“The final won’t be easy but having said that, we play to win. The girls know what to do on the field and I’m confident that we will emerge as champions”, she added.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has been a revelation in this edition of the tournament. With a disciplined set of players, the team has gone about their job in a no nonsense manner. Having shown the prowess to adapt their game the team has accounted for much fancied teams like West Bengal and Odisha.

“The team, the management and state officials are happy with what we have achieved so far. Entering the final for the first time and facing Manipur is a difficult ask. But to be the best you have to beat the best”, quipped M Muruhuvendan, Head Coach, Tamil Nadu.

“These opportunities don’t come to you every day. We are looking to create history and will give our all to do it”, he went on to add.

Tamil Nadu and Manipur square off in the final on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha.